First pay rise for Toyota in 5 years

Japan’s weak yen has translated into record-profits for Toyota, the country's biggest company. Now employees will reap the benefits, and get a pay raise for the first time since 2008.

Toyota, along with Honda and Toshiba, will pass on the profits to workers with a salary bump, as of April 1, company heads told unions on Wednesday. The company estimates workers will get an average 2.9 percent raise.

A Toyota Motor Worker’s Union member will earn on average an extra $26 (2,700 yen) per month in base pay, Bloomberg reported, citing Senior Managing Officer Naoki Miyazaki, who spoke with reporters today.

The Toyota union represents over 50,000 employees, and they will also receive higher average bonuses.
High profits are driven by ‘Abenomics’, the Japanese premier’s set of measures to stoke the economy and spur growth after decades of decline, with a commitment to keep the yen weak.

Japan-based exporters like Toyota, Honda, and Panasonic have benefited greatly from profits spurred by the country's weak currency. Many have left prices abroad unchanged and seen sales climb due to advantageous foreign exchange rates.

Favorable market conditions for Japanese exports has translated into record profits, especially for companies like Toyota, which by the end of March is forecasting a 1.9 trillion yen profit, Bloomberg reported.

The Toyota Camry, one of the best selling cars in America, is priced at $22,500. The Corolla, also a top-10 best seller, goes for $16,500. Offering free bells and whistles- like air conditioning and other add-ons usually cost extra.

Yokem Scion iQ vs. Fiat 500 - Which Should You Choose?

We here at Yokem Toyota know that when it comes to subcompact hatchbacks there are a lot to choose from. We know that it is easier to make a decision when you believe that you are informed enough about each option, so we are here to line a few things out about each one:

The Yokem Scion iQ is definitely a great option for the daily city drivers. We know that in the Shreveport/Bossier City area high MPG's are a very important concern for everyone! The Scion iQ at Yokem gets an astounding 36 MPG's in the city and 37 on the highway. Talk about a great deal! The Fiat 500 has a 27 mpg rating in the city with a 38 mpg on the highway. 

The Yokem Scion iQ comes equipped with a Pioneer Sound System that includes iPod connectivity and more. Similar features come with the Fiat 500, but not as highly revered as the Pioneer System. 

The Scion iQ at Yokem is also a great safety pick! The Star Safety System is standard in the Yokem iQ as well as ten airbags strategically placed throughout the interior, while the Fiat has seven. 

The cars are definitely smaller on the size scale, however, the 2013 Yokem Scion iQ is proud of the fact that Scion was named the most reliable automotive brand in 2012, with Toyota in a very close second! 

Come into Yokem Toyota/Scion in Shreveport, LA, to see the difference!